3 hours ago
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A controversial success coach has made an extraordinary accusation over the NRL Grand Final, blaming the bad 'energy' of a footy legend for the Melbourne Storm's loss.
Bradley Charles Stubbs, known as 'The Coach Whisperer,' is a self-styled performance mentor who works with NRL coaches and athletes on mindset, belief and language.
He gained attention after claiming involvement in the South Sydney Rabbitohs' 2014 premiership and later worked with Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson during the side's 2018 title run, reportedly receiving a premiership ring for his efforts.
Stubbs also advised Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters, helping shape the team's mental preparation during State of Origin campaigns.
His methods focus on positive language, subconscious programming, and 'energy', rather than tactical or technical coaching.
However, his 'Expect to Win' philosophy has also been polarising and controversial at times.
Bradley Stubbs AKA The Coach Whisperer posted this about Laurie Daley to his Instagram
Reece Walsh tore the Melbourne Storm apart in the second half of the NRL Grand Final
Bellamy was not looking for excuses after the loss and put the blame at the feet of his players
Now Stubbs is likely to be rubbed off New South Wales State of Origin coach Laurie Daley's Christmas card list after blaming him for Melbourne's loss in the NRL Grand Final.
The Storm were overrun by the Brisbane Broncos in the second half, with Daley watching on in the coach's box.
Stubbs posted an image of Daley behind Bellamy and said that he had lost because of the 'Laurie Daley Affect'
'I did a post after round 4 about the 'The Laurie Daley' affect on Craig Bellamy with Laurie's energy transferring onto Craig and his team,' Stubbs posted.
'I hear Laurie is a really nice guy but his energy as a coach is not conducive to winning.
'His language has no belief & it clearly rubs off.
'I said after round 4 and this will be the only reason the Storm don't Win the 2025 Grand Final.
'Craig needs to quit his work experience in SOO and focus on the Storm.'
Stubbs has worked with some of the biggest names in the NRL, including current Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters (pictured together)
The Coach Whisperer, pictured with ARL chairman Peter V'landys, has polarised footy greats with his unusual methods
Bellamy assisted Daley during Origin camp this season, with the Blues then going on to lose the series to the Maroons.
Followers were quick to slam Stubbs for his controversial take, saying Daley had no influence on the Grand Final result.
'Definitely Laurie Daley's fault that Reece Walsh had the best individual display in a grand final in recent times,' one posted, tongue firmly in cheek.
'I heard he told Kamikamica to drop the ball over the line on purpose as well.'
'This post is embarrassing,' another replied.
But others agreed that Daley had an intangible element about him that brought about footy losses.
'I agree, expect to win,' one posted.
It's the second year in a row the Storm have fallen in the Grand Final, after losing to Penrith in 2024.
And a filthy Bellamy was not pointing the finger anywhere except at his own players.
'I think there's a couple of things we thought we'd learned from last year, but obviously we didn't,' Bellamy said.
